Jack Pyke Smock, Jacket & Gillet

As many hunters realise, keeping warm, or not becoming too hot has always been a balancing act when wearing cold weather gear. This is achieved by layers of clothing that complement each other. By using this system we can tailor the garments we wear for a particular outing or weather conditions and therefore add or remove a layer depending on the need.

BACK AT BASE

With the JP Lightweight Fleece Top I’d tend to wear this as my base layer as thermal underwear always gets clammy. It may claim all sorts of properties but being tight to the skin I always think what’s the point, as you’re already defeating the object of tailoring the layers that go over them so you won’t feel uncomfortable one minute or cold the next.

The Lightweight Fleece Top is made from 100% checked polyester fleece, the generously cut long sleeves hold neat at the wrist with straight cut cuffs. There’s a neck zip for temperature regulation and an elasticated bottom fasten drawstring to stop the wind getting in. Available in green only.

SOFT TOUCH

The new JP Soft Shell Jacket is nothing like their first one. Listening to customer feedback they realised many wore them as a standalone light outer if the weather wasn’t too bad. So first factor to address was it needed to be stronger, quieter, yet just as a Soft Shell Jacket should be – soft to the touch. Also of importance was if used in autumn they knew they’d have to offer it in English Oak Camo and also add a few more features.

Now manufactured from a 340gms breathable waterproof material, it has a detachable hood with elastic draw cord and Velcro closure. A relatively high storm collar, adjustable waist cord, full length zip opening. Pockets are all zip-closed and waterproof with sleeve, front and chest positioning, with the arms ending in adjustable storm cuffs. Available as mentioned in English Oak for those intending to use it in the fields it’s also available in Hunters Green for the traditionalists.

SMOCK IT

The Field Smock has been a good product for the company. However they felt this could also do with a bit of extra attention for the coming cold weather. The jacket is made from 100% brushed polyester tricot with a laminate membrane. This ‘secret’ mix is known as the company’s breathable, waterproof and silent Stealth Fabric.

A full length double opening zip with storm flap, adjustable and detachable wired hood, and two lower front bellows pockets with press stud fastening cover flaps, two hand warmer pockets and an adjustable waist draw cord are its main features. Available in English Oak and English Woodland Camo there’s no doubt the company know what sector of the market this jacket appeals to.

PRICES: SRP£18.95, £75 and £76.95 respectively, sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL,and XXXL